Post by Avery Miles III on Oct 30, 2017 17:53:11 GMT -5
Location: Dry Branch, GA
When: FLASHBACK
A young Avery Miles III is on his bicycle riding down the gravel driveway.
Avery: Don't let go dad!
His father, Avery Joseph Miles II, holds onto the seat and runs alongside the young boy's bike.
Joe: I've got you, Ave.
Avery pedals his bike as Joe feels him begin to balance. Without letting Avery know, Joe lets go of the seat.
Avery: Faster dad! Faster!
Joe: You are doing it!
Avery looks back and realizes that he is on his own. He is doing it... until the handlebars wobble and Avery is sent tumbling hard to the gravel. Joe hurries to come to the aid of his son.
Joe: Ave! You okay buddy? You okay?
Avery turns over as his arms are scraped from the rocks and he has a look of terror on his face. How could his dad betray him? Or that was the thought coming across the mind of the young boy.
Avery: Dad... why did you let me go...
Joe: You had it Ave...
Avery looks down and sees barely any blood coming from his elbow, but it was the end of the world nonetheless. The little boy begins to shed some tears.
Joe: No. Don't do it. You are a big boy now. You can ride a bike-
Avery yells back.
Avery: NO I CAN'T! I NEED HELP!
Joe gives it a few seconds as he calmly responds.
Joe: Yes you can. And yes you will. Now get up. On your feet, Avery.
Avery pouts, but sees the look in his father's face than means business. He begrudgingly gets up as Joe lifts his bike back up.
Avery: You let go, and I fell.
Joe: You got scared. You can't get scared. And you gotta learn to do it alone. I won't always be here for you.
Avery: Yes you will!
Joe: No. No I won't. One day you are going to grow up and live away from me. You are going to have a wife.
Avery: No! Never!
Joe laughs. Just in hearing distance but enough away to spy, his mother Katherine sees this important lesson that will define much of Avery's life.
Joe: Yes. You will be a dad one day, too. You will be doing just what I am doing. You will teach your son or daughter how to ride a bike. And to not be scared. You can do whatever you put your mind to. I know it. Your wildest dreams can come true. If you just try. And try. And try some more. Okay?
Avery nods.
Joe: So, ready to give it a go? Ready to show me that you are not scared? And you are ready to be a big boy?
Avery: Okay.
Unsure of himself, Avery fixes his helmet and climbs back aboard. He starts to pedal his bike as Joe holds on.
Joe: Okay. You are going good.
Avery: No...
Joe: Yes. You got this. Show me. Show me you don't need me. Show me that you are willing to give it your all.
Joe slowly lets go but runs along. Avery does not notice. Joe pulls his hands back.
Joe: You got this buddy!
Avery pedals and pedals.
Avery: I am doing it! Dad! Look!
Joe: I see your buddy!
Katherine just stands and smiles watching her son and husband bond, and learning an important life lesson. This lesson would remain with Avery. Count on yourself. Do not make others do the work for you. Believe in yourself. And always give it your all.
